Eatingwell's Oven Fried Chicken
Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, EatingWell's Oven-Fried Chicken is a healthier spin on a comfort food classic that requires no deep frying! This recipe captures the essence of traditional fried chicken by combining tender, juicy bone-in drumsticks or thighs with a bold blend of spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a flavorful kick. The chicken is marinated in tangy buttermilk for enhanced tenderness, then coated in a seasoned flour mix before baking to crunchy perfection in the oven. The secret to its irresistible crust lies in the light use of cooking spray, which delivers all the crispiness without the extra grease. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this easy and guilt-free recipe pairs beautifully with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw or mashed potatoes. Ready in just an hour, EatingWell’s Oven-Fried Chicken is your go-to recipe for satisfying cravings with a healthier twist.
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Ingredients
- 8 pieces chicken drumsticks or thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 1 as needed low-fat cooking spray or olive oil spray
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and spray it lightly with cooking spray.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and turn them to thoroughly coat. Let them marinate for 15–30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
Step 3
In another large shallow dish, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Step 4
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks. Shake off any excess flour.
Step 5
Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray to help them develop a crispy crust.
Step 6
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, turning the pieces halfway through the cooking time. Spray additional cooking spray on any spots that look dry for an even golden crust.
Step 7
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 8
Serve the oven-fried chicken warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1195.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2368.2 |
| Total Fat 135.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 39.5g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 746.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3539.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 113.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 7.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.0g | |
| Protein 166.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 166.9IU | 0% |
| Calcium 425.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2224.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories